Balancing a five-course meal and family bonding activities can be tricky. On the one hand, our family likes to relax and enjoy one another’s company. On the other hand, we frequently have activities planned and don’t want to miss out on them, nor do we want them to feel forced and/or unnatural.

Summer merrymaking is afoot! With vibrant hues infused wth glistening sun rays, daisies, roses, and pansies proudly strutting their rainbow fineries, and juicy, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers bursting forth from the garden vines, it is almost impossible to deny there is magic in the midst! This year, I found myself inspired to create a most […]

Summer is an amazing time of year, and creating a seasonally appropriate feast to celebrate it is a lot of fun. Many herbs can be cultivated throughout this season, so as far as the menu goes, herbs are in. Summer is also the time of the most sunlight (peaking with summer solstice), and consequently, the […]

“The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve; lovers to bed; ’tis almost fairy time.” ~William Shakespeare What a wonderful way to celebrate summer!! Perhaps thanks to Shakespeare or maybe just because of the joy in our hearts brought about by the increase in sunlight, when thinking of decorations and embellishments to represent this most […]

Holiday crackers are so fun and festive! In my family, they have become a highly anticipated tradition. I make these by hand with each season in mind. Here are my suggestions for a fabulous summer festival favor…

Winter Solstice is the day with the least amount of sunlight. It is a day we huddle close to friends and family and rely on hearth, home, laughter, and good company to provide light and cheer. It is with these inspirations in mind that I have created a delicious celebratory menu with selections designed to […]

“The Sugarplum Fairy herself could have made no grander gesture.”~Shana Alexander …More for the love of gingerbread! A month or so ago I had a vision regarding my holiday table… tiny, decorated, edible gingerbread houses elevated on Victorian cupcake pedestals adorning each place setting. This was a challenging endeavor, but I was so pleased with […]

Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James The warm and whimsical energy of summer almost seems to be celebrating with or without our help, so why not join in!! The possibilities for creating a fanciful and fun table setting for […]

“You have your brush, you have your colors, you paint paradise, then in you go.” ~ Nikos Kazantzakis Summer is sunshine!! Therefore creating a celebratory seasonal tablescape for this joyous time of year becomes about interpreting your concept of the beauty of the sun!!

Yule place cards offer a lovely opportunity to accent your table as well as a functional way to arrange your guest seating. Below are the instructions for mine. Feel free to experiment and add your own embellishments!

Our Mission

At Holiday & Hearth our goal is to help families and friends create meaningful ways to connect with nature and one another. Every tradition and religion is welcome here. Whether you would like to host seasonal celebrations once in a while (like a May Fair or a Harvest Festival) or on a more regular basis, we have tips, tricks, examples, and resource suggestions to help you accomplish your goals… so explore, have fun, and be sure to share with our community your own pics and and ideas as some may even be featured!